2016 Mazda CX-9 WHEELS

Rear wheel trim partially detached from car while driving, safety risk of large plastic part being caught in rear wheel. Did not hit any debris but heard a loud noise as the part detached. Part is supposed to be held in place by 12 clips but multiple owners of Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 models report this problem. Mazda dealers deny there is a problem even when some new cars have only 3 clips installed. When I called Mazda USA to report, and asked them specifically for a federal government contact to report safety issues, they said calling them was the ONLY way to report an issue, which was not correct. Was told I would have to pay for the repair of this safety issue. See this website for the experience of other owners and a description of the problem: https://mazdas247.com/forum/t/2016-cx-9-wheel-well-trim-became-detached.123861160/ I also personally know another Mazda owner who had the same issue with the part falling off while driving.

I HEARD A PINGING SOUND COMING FROM ONE OF THE WHEELS. WHEN I GOT OUT AND LOOKED, I DISCOVERED THE WHEELS ARE BEGINNING TO FLAKE AND DEGRADE. I CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACEMENT AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY.